Audi has unveiled today on the eve of IAA the spectacular Nanuk quattro crossover concept.

The Ingolstadt-based automaker made a surprising announcement today by showing the Nanuk quattro concept which can be considered as Germany's answer to the Italdesign Giugiaro Parcour. The two-seater is powered by an all-new twin-turbo V10 5.0-liter TDI engine mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle. The diesel mill churns 544 HP (400 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque mated to an upgraded 7-speed S tronic gearbox installed behind the engine.

Tipping the scales at 4,188 lbs (1,900 kg), the Nanuk quattro needs 3.8 seconds until 62 mph (100 km/h) and can achieve a top speed of 189 mph (305 km/h). Despite the hefty curb weight, Audi says it has a fuel consumption of 7.8 liters / 100 km (30.1 mpg US or 36.2 mpg UK) thanks to a new oil pump and thermal management system that can separate cooling loops.

The concept rides on massive 22-inch wheels wrapped around in 235/50 tires for the front axle and 295/45 rubbers at the back, with stopping power coming from a carbon fiber ceramic braking system. The Nanuk quattro is equipped with an air suspension that has electronically-controlled dampers which allow the driver to manually adjust ground clearance from normal to lower (30mm) and higher (40mm). Based on predictive route data available via the navigation system and also on the driving speed the system can automatically control the body's level.

As far as dimensions are concerned, the Audi Nanuk quattro concept is 4541mm long, 1990mm wide and 1337mm tall, with a 2710mm wheelbase and a body structure made from aluminum Audi Space Frame with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer components featuring an Extreme Red finish. Another highlight of the car is the integral steering which at low speeds will turn the rear wheels up to nine degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, while at higher speeds all wheels are turned in the same direction.